Top 10 Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia is a superfood used by the Aztecs. These little seeds will make you feel fuller and sustain you with the electrolytes for high endurance activities such as running!

Here are the Top 10 reasons to add chia seeds to your life.

1. Fight Diabetes : Chia is being studied as a potential natural treatment for type-2 diabetes . It has the ability to slow down digestion. There is a gelatinous coating around chia seeds that develops when exposed to liquid. This can also prevent blood sugar spikes.

2. A Way to Eat More Fiber: A 1 ounce serving of chia has 11 grams of dietary fiber. Consider adding chia to your life is an easy way to get fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health.

3. Get tons of Omega-3's : Chia seeds have tons of omega-3 fatty acids, almost 5 grams in a 1 ounce serving, and these fats are very important for brain health. Researcher Wayne Coates states, (chia seed is a) "...better conversion of omega 3s into the plasma or into the food than with flax seed."

4. Your dentist will be happy: Get stronger Teeth And Bones One ounce has 18% of the RDA for calcium. Calcium is important for maintaining bone and oral health, and preventing osteoporosis.

5. Manganese, what is that: Manganese is important for our health, one ounce of chia seeds, or 28 grams, has 30 % RDA of this mineral! Manganese is essential for our bones, it also helps our bodies use biotin and thiamin.

6. Get your Phosphorus on: Chia has 27% RDA for phosphorus and helps maintain bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also important to synthesize protein for cell and tissue growth and repair.

7. Pack In The Protein, yep that is Right: Full protein from a tiny seed! Chia seeds are definitely a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. And chia seeds don't have any cholesterol. One ounce serving of these amazing super seeds has 4.7 Grams of Protein! ￼ According to BodyBuilding.com: "In either case, chia was a staple crop among both ancient civilizations. The Aztecs reportedly prized it even more highly than the Mayans, using chia as medicine, offering it to the gods during rituals, and demanding it as annual tribute from conquered tribes. One refrain you'll see repeated often by chia advocates is that the Aztecs considered it 'more valuable than gold'.

The word Chia comes from either the Mayan word chiabaan, for 'strengthening', or the Aztec word chian, for 'oily'. Chia's nutritional profile is undeniably broad and impressive.

A standard 2 tbsp (24 g) serving of chia seeds contains:

Calories: 117

Protein: 4 grams

Fat: 7.4 grams

Fiber: 8.3 grams

It contains all eight essential amino acids and a host of trace minerals and micronutrients. To put it in comparison, each 2 tbsp serving of chia contains: Five times the omega-3 content of a 1/4-cup serving of walnuts, Twice the iron and magnesium of a cup of spinach, As much calcium as a half-cup of milk, As much potassium as a third of a banana, More than twice the fiber of a cup of oatmeal"

8. Fight That Spare Tire~ Chia stabilizes blood sugar and also fights insulin resistance which can be tied to an increase in belly fat, according to Live Strong. Resistance to insulin can also be harmful for your overall health in many ways.

9. Feel Fuller Faster : Tryptophan, an amino acid, is found in chia seeds. Tryptophan is responsible for helping regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood. It also triggers that strong urge to nap after a big Thanksgiving dinner because it is present in turkey meat.

10. Love our Hearts: According to the Cleveland Clinic, chia seeds have been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetics, and may also increase healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol.

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Lisa Ware, RYT has been practicing for as long as she recalls, yoga has simply been integrated in her life. Lisa teaches Hatha Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Certified in Thai Yoga Bodywork and is a Reiki Master.
She is greatly motivated by helping people enrich their mind / body / spirit connection. Inspiring others in their own personal yoga practice is a great reward. She loves teaching and loves people! Lisa currently resides in Texas.